Ear protection

ABSTRACT

An ear protector is provided that comprises a hollow body defining a cavity suitable for receiving an ear; a first fastening means; and a second fastening means. The hollow body is provided with an orifice that has an open configuration, in which an ear can pass through the orifice, and a reduced size configuration, in which said ear cannot pass through the orifice. The hollow body has a stretched configuration, in which an ear can be freely moved with respect to the cavity, and an engaging configuration, in which at least a portion of the hollow body has a reduced size as compared to the stretched configuration and in which said ear cannot be freely moved with respect to the cavity. The first fastening means substantially encircles the orifice and is elastic in nature, wherein the elastic nature of the first fastening means serves to bias the orifice into the reduced size configuration and wherein the first fastening means can be stretched to place the orifice into the open configuration. The second fastening means substantially encircles the first fastening means and is elastic in nature, wherein the elastic nature of the second fastening means serves to bias the hollow body into the engaging configuration and wherein the second fastening means can be stretched to place the hollow body into the stretched configuration.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application serial number PCT/GB2017/052059 filed on Jul. 13, 2017, which claims priority to Great Britain provisional patent application serial number GB1612144A filed Jul. 13, 2016, both of which are hereby incorporated by this reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to ear protection, and in particular provides a product that is suitable for protecting the human ear from chemicals used in hair treatment applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many people choose to undertake hair treatments in order to alter the appearance of their hair. Such treatments may involve altering the colour of hair, for example in dying, highlighting or bleaching, or the modification of hair structure, for example in perming, curling or relaxing.

One may choose to undertake a hair treatment plan at home or at a professional salon or hair dresser. As such, products for the treatment of hair at home may be purchased online, or in shops such as pharmacies, cosmetics shops or specialist hair treatment shops.

Hair treatments can require the use of chemical products. Users are typically advised to wear gloves while using hair treatment products due to the risk of skin irritation and injury. However, due to the proximity of the head hair to the ears, there is a risk that such products may inadvertently contact the outer ear and/or enter the ear canal.

Hair treatments can be left on the hair to take effect for a short period of time or for a longer period of time, depending on the hair type and the application time used. However, even if the product is rinsed off relatively quickly, damage to the skin on the ear can occur if there has been contact between the product and that skin. This is a particular problem when the user has sensitive skin.

In addition, individuals suffering from ear infections or other ear conditions can have their condition exacerbated by the entry of such products into an ear.

If an individual has a pre-existing sore or cut on their ear this can also be worsened by contact between hair treatment product and that sore or cut.

The user may not initially be aware of the presence of a chemical product in or on their ear during the treatment process; however, by the time that a burning sensation is felt significant damage to the skin of the ear may have already occurred. This may leave the individual with painful irritated skin.

When using hair dyes, residual dye may remain on the skin if the dye is kept on for too long, or if the dye is not thoroughly washed away. The upper ear often comes into contact with dyes during the application process and, as a consequence, the skin at the top of the ear and/or on the back of the ear can easily become stained by the dye.

Hair heating appliances, such as hairdryers, curling tongues and straightening tongues, present a further risk to ears, as the fragile skin of ears is easy to burn when the hair is being styled and/or dressed.

Ear protection devices have been previously described to assist with the protection of ears.

Many of these are not designed for use during hair treatments, for example they may be for use during swimming or to keep ears warm during cold weather.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,660,229 A (Harris) describes a water-tight ear enclosing device that can be used when swimming. This device is secured to the ear by using an elastic strip formed of a thin, polymeric material in a J shape, which is adapted to be received in front of the tragus of the ear and below and behind the lobule of the ear, together with a flexible, inelastic strip having an adhesive surface, which is to be attached to the skin in front of the tragus and under the lobe of the ear. Therefore the elastic strip and inelastic strip combine together to encircle the opening of the ear once and to secure the device thereto. The elastic strip can include an extension which augments the primary seal at the lower portion of the enclosure formed by the adhesive on the inelastic strip.

US 2012/124719 A1 (Michlitsch) describes ear protectors that are intended to shield ears from harsh weather conditions. The ear protectors are formed of two parts: a conforming “anchor” part and an insulating part. The ear goes through an opening in the anchor part and then the other part forms an insulating outer covering over the ear. The opening resiliently deforms and therefore this opening conforms to the geometry of the ear root to hold the product in place. These ear protectors are preferably made from an elastomeric plastic.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,865,974 B1 (Heller) describes an ear protector that is designed to stop soap and water entering the ear during washing. The protector provides a covering comprised of a flexible and water impermeable material. There is an opening through which the ear is placed and an elastic band extends around most but not all of this opening. The remaining portion of the opening has adhesive provided, which allows the protector to adhere directly to the user's skin at this portion of the opening. A resiliently flexible framing member may also be provided; this extends around part of the outside of the elastic band, namely at the top and down the length. The framing member therefore partially encircles the opening and assists the adhesive and elastic band to secure the protector to the ear root.

Various ear protection devices have been previously described to assist with the protection of ears during hair treatments.

For example, a pair of protective sanitary ear covers is described in US 2009/077715 (Jack). The cover is stated to be produced from clear light weight to medium weight material, like plastic, and in the preferred embodiment the cover is annular-shaped and has an elastic band positioned about the perimeter of the opening thereof for comfortably holding the cover about a wearer's ear.

A similar ear protecting device is described in DE 29812652 U1 (Clasing). This device is for use in protecting the ear from discoloration during hair treatment applications and has a body that can receive the user's ear via an opening, with there being a fastening means, such as elastic, around the edge of the opening to help secure the body on the ear.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,493 B1 (Ambroise) describes ear protectors that have a three-layer construction to shield ears from heat during hair drying and styling, e.g. using curling irons and blow dryers. It describes forming the outer layer from a cotton fibre or cotton fabric, the middle layer from Teflon or the like, and the inner layer from cotton or soft batting. The protectors can be secured to the ear using an elastic band which forms a continuous loop around the opening, or an elastic cord that is not continuous and does not form a loop but is designed to fit snugly around the back of the ear, or a draw string that extends around the opening.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present inventors have recognised that there is a problem with known devices for ear protection which only utilise one elastic band (or the like) to secure the device to the ear. In this regard, the inventors realised that such products can be accidentally dislodged in use, for example when vigorous action about the ear is required during the application of, or the washing away of, hair treatment products. The device may slip off entirely or may be displaced. This can therefore leave some or all of the ear exposed during the hair treatment, contrary to the aim of the protection device.

The same problem can also still occur with devices where there are multiple securing means which are all provided at or near the opening, with the aim of securing the device to the ear root (the base of the ear, i.e. where the ear attaches to the head). Even when more than one securing means is provided, such as in U.S. Pat. No. 7,865,974 B 1, the device can still slip off or be displaced, because the securing is only at one location. Therefore if there is vigorous action at or near that location, there can be accidental dislodgement of the device.

The present invention provides, in a first aspect, an ear protector that comprises:

-   -   a hollow body that defines a cavity suitable for receiving an         ear,     -   a first fastening means, and     -   a second fastening means,

wherein the hollow body is provided with an orifice that has an open configuration in which an ear can pass through the orifice and a reduced size configuration in which said ear cannot pass through the orifice,

wherein the hollow body has a stretched configuration in which an ear can be freely moved with respect to the cavity and an engaging configuration in which at least a portion of the hollow body has a reduced size as compared to the stretched configuration and in which said ear cannot be freely moved with respect to the cavity,

wherein the first fastening means substantially encircles the orifice and is elastic in nature, wherein the elastic nature of the first fastening means serves to bias the orifice into the reduced size configuration and wherein the first fastening means can be stretched to place the orifice into the open configuration, and

wherein the second fastening means substantially encircles the first fastening means and is elastic in nature, wherein the elastic nature of the second fastening means serves to bias the hollow body into the engaging configuration and wherein the second fastening means can be stretched to place the hollow body into the stretched configuration.

The prior art ear protectors do not have a hollow body having a stretched configuration in which an ear can be freely moved with respect to the cavity and an engaging configuration in which at least a portion of the hollow body has a reduced size as compared to the stretched configuration and in which said ear cannot be freely moved with respect to the cavity, whereby the hollow body is biased into the engaging configuration due to the elastic nature of a second fastening means.

To use the ear protector of the present invention, the ear protector can have the first fastening means stretched and the second fastening means stretched, such that an ear can pass through the orifice and can be located into the cavity. This may suitably be performed using a person's fingers. The person may be the person whose hair is being treated (and whose ear is being protected), or may be another person, e.g. a hairdresser or stylist, or a friend or family member.

Once the ear protector is in place, i.e. with the ear is received within the cavity, the first and second fastening means can be allowed to return to their unstretched form. The elastic nature of the first fastening means serves to bias the orifice into the reduced size configuration and the elastic nature of the second fastening means serves to bias the hollow body into the engaging configuration. Thus the orifice is sized such that the ear cannot pass through the orifice, and the hollow body has a reduced size as compared to the stretched configuration, such that the ear cannot be freely moved in and out of the cavity.

Therefore the ear protector is secured onto the ear using a “double rim” arrangement. The ear protector is secured on the ear by the first fastening means and by the second fastening means.

The first fastening means therefore secures the ear protector to the ear at a first location and the second fastening secures the ear protector to the ear at a different location. Thus even if there is vigorous action at or near one of those locations, there is not accidental dislodgement of the ear protector, because there is still securing of the ear protector at the other of those locations.

The first fastening means suitably serves to bias the orifice such that some or all of the orifice contacts the ear that is received within the cavity. Preferably, the first fastening means applies an engagement force to the ear at this location where contact occurs. In one embodiment this contact occurs at or near the base of the ear, i.e. where the ear attaches to the head.

The second fastening means suitably serves to bias the hollow body such that a portion of the hollow body contacts the ear that is received within the cavity. Preferably, the second fastening means applies an engagement force to the ear at this location where contact occurs.

Accordingly, in use the first fastening means applies an engagement force to a first location which is at or near the base of the ear, and the second fastening means applies an engagement force to a second discrete location on the ear, located away from the base of the ear.

The ear protector of the present invention is therefore advantageous, because there are two discrete locations where the ear protector is secured on the ear. Engagement forces can therefore be applied in two separate places, improving the stability of the ear protector on the ear even when it is knocked or rubbed. This therefore allows for enhanced manipulation of the ear during the hair treatment process without displacing the ear protector, for example moving the ear to access hair behind it.

This is therefore beneficial as compared to prior devices where the securing of the device was only at or near the ear base. The ear protector of the present invention can provide engagement forces at or near the ear base and additionally can provide engagement forces at a separate location, away from the ear base, e.g. 5 mm or more or 10 mm or more or 15 mm or more away from the ear base.

In addition, the person whose hair is being treated will find the ear protector of the present invention more comfortable to wear. The ear protector will feel more secure on their ear. In addition, the engagement forces that secure the ear protector to the ear can be provided over a larger area, due to the use of two discrete fastening means, and this can mean that discomfort from one localised force is minimised.

The prior art did not recognise that there was a problem with the designs that utilised a single elastic band to secure the ear protector onto the ear, let alone suggest that the use of a “double rim” arrangement, where two elastic fastening means independently secure the orifice and the body to the ear, should be considered.

The prior art did not recognise that there was a problem with the designs that utilised one or more securing means to secure the ear protector at the ear base location only. They did not suggest that the use of a “double rim” arrangement, where two elastic fastening means independently secure the device to the ear at separate locations, one being at the orifice, and therefore securing to the ear base, and the other being on the body, and therefore securing to a part of the ear away from the ear base, should be considered.

According to a second aspect, the invention provides an ear protection kit comprising two ear protectors according to the first aspect.

The ear protectors are provided as a pair, of one protector for the left ear and one ear protector for the right ear. In this regard, it will be appreciated by the skilled reader that a person will have a left ear and a right ear that are usually substantially mirror images of one another. Therefore in one embodiment, the ear protectors are substantially mirror images of one another.

In one embodiment the kit further comprises a chemical-based hair treatment product. For example, the hair treatment product may comprise one or more product selected from the group consisting of hair bleaches, chemical relaxers, perm reagents, and hair dyes.

Alternatively or additionally, the kit may further comprise a heat-based hair treatment product. For example, the hair treatment product may comprise one or more product selected from the group consisting of hairdryers, hair straighteners, hair tongs, and hair curling wands.

Alternatively or additionally, the kit may further comprise a hair treatment accessory. For example, the hair treatment accessory may comprise one or more product selected from the group consisting of gloves, bowls, perm rods, hair clips, brushes, combs, hair rollers, and aluminium foil.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an ear protector which provides protection for an ear during hair treatment. Hair treatments may involve exposure of hair to chemicals and/or heat.

The hollow body within which the ear is received is substantially impermeable to water and chemical-based hair treatment products, such that during a chemical-based hair treatment the ear does not come into contact with the chemical-based hair treatment product. In particular, it should be formed from material that is sufficiently impermeable to water and chemical-based hair treatment products that they do not permeate through the material over a time frame of 15 minutes or more, preferably 30 minutes or more, such as 45 minutes or more or an hour or more.

The chemical-based hair treatment product may be one or more product selected from the group consisting of hair bleaches, chemical relaxers, perm reagents, and hair dyes.

The hollow body within which the ear is received is preferably substantially impervious to water and chemical-based hair treatment products, such that during a chemical-based hair treatment the structural integrity of the hollow body is unaffected by contact with the chemical-based hair treatment product. In particular, it should be formed from material that is sufficiently impervious to water and chemical-based hair treatment products that they do not degrade the material over a time frame of 15 minutes or more, preferably 30 minutes or more, such as 45 minutes or more or an hour or more.

The hollow body within which the ear is received is preferably substantially resistant to heat, such that during a heat-based hair treatment the structural integrity of the hollow body is unaffected by contact with the heat. In particular, it should be formed from material that is resistant to elevated temperatures of up to 200° C. or up to 250° C. Heat based hair treatments may involve temperatures in the range of from 25° C. to 200° C., such as from 25° C. to 50° C. for hair drying and from 120° C. to 190° C. for curling or straightening treatments. Therefore the material should not degrade from exposure to heat in the range of rom 25° C. to 200° C. over a time frame of 15 minutes or more, preferably 30 minutes or more, such as 45 minutes or more or an hour or more.

The ear protector may be disposable. It may be a single use ear protector or it may be re-usable for one or more subsequent treatments. In this regard, it may be re-usable for a two or more treatments or five or more treatments or ten or more treatments. If it is to be re-used it will be washed after each use.

The hollow body is suitably formed from a polymeric material. This may be natural or synthetic. In one embodiment it may be formed from a natural or synthetic rubber. In one embodiment it may be formed from polyvinyl chloride (vinyl or PVC), nitrile rubber (acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymers), polychloroprene (neoprene) or isoprene polymeric material.

The hollow body is preferably formed from a polymeric material that is both flexible and elastic in nature, such that it can stretch and bend and yet return to its previous shape.

In one embodiment the hollow body is formed of latex. This may be a natural rubber latex, such as Hevea natural rubber latex or a treated natural rubber latex (e.g. Vytex natural rubber latex) or may be synthetic rubber latex, such as butyl-based or petroleum-based synthetic rubber latex, for example it may be polyvinyl chloride, nitrile rubber or polychloroprene.

The ear protector is particularly envisaged for use by adults, but could be used for teenagers and optionally for children, especially older children, for example those aged 10 years old or more. It could also be used for children aged under 10 years old. In some embodiments it may be useful for children who don't like getting water in their ears when having their hair washed or conditioned.

The skilled reader will appreciate that people have ears of different sizes and shapes. The size and shape of ears may depend upon factors such as the age, ethnicity, and genetic heritage of the person, and may be changed by damage to the ear, e.g. caused by sporting injury. Furthermore, an individual may have two ears which are of a different size or shape. As such, it will be appreciated that the ear protector of the present invention may be provided in a variety of different shapes and/or sizes to accommodate a variety of ear sizes and shapes. It could be envisaged, for example, that the ear protector could be provided in a size intended for older children, a size intended for teenagers, and in a range of sizes for adults, e.g. small, medium, large and extra-large sizes for adults.

However, in general the overall shape of an ear is recognisable and the skilled person would be able to readily identify that the cavity of the ear protector was “ear-shaped”. The cavity will therefore have a cross-sectional shape that is substantially kidney-shaped, substantially oval or substantially D-shaped, in order to be able to receive an ear.

The average adult female ear is 59 mm in height and the average male ear 63 mm in height. In boys the average ear height is 48 mm at 6 months increasing to 55 mm at 5 years and 59 mm at 10 years. These values are slightly reduced for girls.

Accordingly, the height of the cavity is suitably in the range of from 40 mm to 100 mm, preferably from 45 mm to 95 mm, such as from 50 mm to 90 mm or from 50 mm to 85 mm or from 55 mm to 80 mm. In one embodiment the height of the cavity is in the range of from 55 mm to 75 mm.

In one embodiment, the width of the cavity is in the range of from 20 mm to 50 mm, such as from 25 mm to 45 mm or from 30 mm to 45 mm. In one embodiment the width of the cavity is in the range of from 30 mm to 40 mm.

It will be appreciated that when the ear is located in the cavity, the orifice of the ear protector will be located at or near the base of the ear, i.e. where the ear attaches to the head.

In one embodiment the orifice is substantially circular or oval in shape. However, there is no restriction on the shape that can be used as long as it permits an ear to pass through and enter into the cavity when it is in the open configuration.

The orifice suitably has a maximum diameter when in the open configuration in the range of from 40 mm to 100 mm, preferably from 45 mm to 95 mm, such as from 50 mm to 90 mm or from 50 mm to 85 mm or from 55 mm to 80 mm. In one embodiment the maximum diameter when in the open configuration is in the range of from 55 mm to 75 mm.

The first fastening means biases the orifice into the reduced size configuration. Accordingly, when the ear is located in the cavity, and the orifice of the ear protector is located at or near the base of the ear, then unless a force is applied against the first fastening means, then the orifice is in the reduced size configuration and the ear cannot pass through the orifice. Therefore the first fastening means serves to secure the ear protector to the ear at a location at or near the base of the ear.

In one embodiment, the first fastening means serves to bias the orifice such that some or all of the orifice contacts the ear that is received within the cavity. Preferably, the first fastening means applies an engagement force to the ear at this location where contact occurs. In one embodiment this contact occurs at or near the base of the ear, i.e. where the ear attaches to the head.

Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment the first fastening means applies an engagement force at or near the base of the ear.

In one embodiment the first fastening means is substantially the same shape as the orifice.

In one embodiment the first fastening means is substantially concentric with the orifice. However, in another embodiment the first fastening means is not concentric with the orifice.

The first fastening means is suitably formed from a polymeric material. This may be natural or synthetic. In one embodiment it may be formed from a natural or synthetic rubber. In one embodiment it may be formed from polyvinyl chloride (vinyl or PVC), nitrile rubber (acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymers), polychloroprene (neoprene) or isoprene polymeric material.

In one embodiment the first fastening means is formed of latex. This may be a natural rubber latex, such as Hevea natural rubber latex or a treated natural rubber latex (e.g. Vytex natural rubber latex) or may be synthetic rubber latex, such as butyl-based or petroleum-based synthetic rubber latex, for example it may be polyvinyl chloride, nitrile rubber or polychloroprene.

In one embodiment the first fastening means is formed of substantially the same material as the hollow body.

It may be that the first fastening means is thicker than the hollow body and this increased thickness of elastic material leads to the biasing force being applied. In one embodiment the material for the first fastening means is at least 1.5 times as thick as the material for the hollow body, e.g. at least 2 times as thick.

In one embodiment the first fastening means is located at or near to the orifice. It may be that the shortest distance between the first fastening means and the orifice is 15 mm or less, or 10 mm or less, or 5 mm or less; it may, for example, be from 0.1 mm to 15 mm, or from 0.5 mm to 12 mm, or from 1 mm to 10 mm or from 2 mm to 5 mm.

The second fastening means biases the hollow body into the engaging configuration. Accordingly, when the ear is located in the cavity, and the orifice of the ear protector is located at or near the base of the ear, unless a force is applied against the second fastening means, then the hollow body is in the engaging configuration and the ear cannot move freely with respect to the cavity. Therefore the second fastening means serves to secure the ear protector to the ear at a location on the exterior surface of the ear.

In one embodiment, the second fastening means serves to bias the hollow body such that a portion of the hollow body contacts the ear that is received within the cavity. Preferably, the second fastening means applies an engagement force to the ear at this location where contact occurs.

Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment the second fastening means applies an engagement force to the ear at a location on the exterior surface of the ear. This is a location distinct from the base of the ear.

In one embodiment the location at which the second fastening means applies an engagement force to the ear comprises one or more of the following locations on the ear: the tragus, the antitragus, the lobule, the cavum concha, the helix, the triangular fossa and the sacaphoid fossa. In one embodiment the second fastening means applies an engagement force to the ear at two or more of those locations on the ear, such as three or more.

In one embodiment the location at which the second fastening means applies an engagement force to the ear comprises one or more of the following locations on the ear: the tragus, the lobule, the cavum concha, and the triangular fossa. In one embodiment the second fastening means applies an engagement force to the ear at two or more of those locations on the ear, such as three or more.

In one embodiment the second fastening means applies an engagement force to the ear at the tragus and optionally at one or more of the lobule, the cavum concha, and the triangular fossa. In one embodiment the second fastening means applies an engagement force to the ear at the tragus and optionally at two or more of the lobule, the cavum concha, and the triangular fossa.

In one embodiment the second fastening means is substantially the same shape as the orifice.

In one embodiment the second fastening means is substantially the same shape as the first fastening means.

In one embodiment the second fastening means is substantially concentric with the orifice. However, in another embodiment the second fastening means is not concentric with the orifice.

In one embodiment the second fastening means is substantially concentric with the first fastening means. However, in another embodiment the second fastening means is not concentric with the first fastening means.

The second fastening means is suitably formed from a polymeric material. This may be natural or synthetic. In one embodiment it may be formed from a natural or synthetic rubber. In one embodiment it may be formed from polyvinyl chloride (vinyl or PVC), nitrile rubber (acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymers), polychloroprene (neoprene) or isoprene polymeric material.

In one embodiment the second fastening means is formed of latex. This may be a natural rubber latex, such as Hevea natural rubber latex or a treated natural rubber latex (e.g. Vytex natural rubber latex) or may be synthetic rubber latex, such as butyl-based or petroleum-based synthetic rubber latex, for example it may be polyvinyl chloride, nitrile rubber or polychloroprene.

In one embodiment the second fastening means comprises material that is the same material as the hollow body.

In one embodiment the second fastening means is formed of substantially the same material as the hollow body.

In one embodiment the second fastening means is formed of the same material as the hollow body.

It may be that the second fastening means is thicker than the hollow body and this increased thickness of elastic material leads to the biasing force being applied. In one embodiment the material for the second fastening means is at least 1.5 times as thick as the material for the hollow body, e.g. at least 2 times as thick.

In one embodiment, the increased thickness of the second fastening means provides improved heat protection.

In one embodiment the second fastening means is provided as a raised portion. Thus it protrudes from the hollow body. In use, therefore, it provides a portion that extends away from the outer surface of the ear.

In one embodiment the second fastening means comprises material that is the same material as the first fastening means.

In one embodiment the second fastening means is formed of substantially the same material as the first fastening means.

In one embodiment the second fastening means is formed of the same material as the first fastening means.

In one embodiment the second fastening means, the first fastening means and the hollow body are all formed of substantially the same material.

The second fastening means is located away from the first fastening means. It may be that the shortest distance between the second fastening means and the first fastening means is 5 mm or more, or 10 mm or more, or 15 mm or more; it may, for example, be from 5 mm to 40 mm, or from 5 mm to 35 mm, or from 5 mm to 30 mm, or from 10 mm to 40 mm or from 10 mm to 35 mm, or from 10 mm to 30 mm.

By having a distance between the first fastening means and the second fastening means, the two engagement forces provided by the two fastening means are at two distinct locations and this leads to a more secure positioning of the ear protector on the ear.

In one embodiment the first fastening means and the second fastening means have substantially the same thickness of material.

In one embodiment the second fastening means is thicker than the first fastening means. As noted above, in one embodiment the second fastening means protrudes from the body of the ear protector, providing a raised portion. This can assist with heat protection and ease of handling.

In one embodiment the ear protector is provided with a protrusion on the outer surface of the hollow body. The protrusion is suitably sized and shaped to be able to be held by a person, for example between their finger and thumb, e.g. between their thumb and adjacent index finger. The person may be the person whose hair is being treated (and whose ear is being protected), or may be another person, e.g. a hairdresser or stylist, or a friend or family member.

The protrusion can be used to move the ear forwards or downwards away from the area of the head behind the ear. This can facilitate access to hair behind the ear.

The protrusion can be used to facilitate removal of the ear protector from the ear after the hair treatment is complete.

In one embodiment the protrusion is located at a position away from the orifice, so as to provide good leverage when it is held and moved.

It may be that when the ear protector is in use, with the ear inside the cavity, the protrusion is located on the helix of the ear.

In one embodiment the shortest distance between the protrusion and the orifice is 20 mm or more, or 25 mm or more, or 30 mm or more; it may, for example, be from 20 mm to 50 mm, or from 25 mm to 50 mm, or from 30 mm to 50 mm, or from 20 mm to 45 mm or from 25 mm to 45 mm, or from 30 mm to 45 mm.

In one embodiment the protrusion is located at a position that is the furthest point on outer surface of the hollow body away from the orifice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be further illustrated in a non-limiting manner by the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a view of an ear protector according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is an illustration to assist understanding of how the ear protector of FIG. 1 can be secured to an ear. In this illustration the ear protector is shown as transparent so that the ear as contained therein can be seen, and the protrusion is not shown.

FIG. 3 is a view of a second ear protector according to the invention.

FIG. 4 is an illustration to assist understanding of how the ear protector of FIG. 3 can be secured to an ear. In this illustration the ear protector is shown as transparent so that the ear as contained therein can be seen, and the protrusion is not shown.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 each illustrate an ear protector 1 according to the invention. The ear protector 1 has a hollow body 2 that defines a cavity 2 a suitable for receiving an ear. The hollow body 2 is formed from latex or other flexible and stretchable plastic material. The hollow body 2 has an orifice 3 which allows access to the cavity 2 a. The orifice 3 is substantially oval in shape.

The orifice 3 has an open configuration in which an ear can pass through the orifice and a reduced size configuration in which said ear cannot pass through the orifice.

In this regard, the ear protector 1 has a first fastening means 5 a, wherein the first fastening means 5 a substantially encircles the orifice 3 and is elastic in nature. The first fastening means 5 a is formed from latex or other elastic plastic material. In one embodiment it is the same material as the hollow body 2, but having greater thickness. The elastic nature of the first fastening means 5 a serves to bias the orifice 3 into the reduced size configuration. However, the first fastening means 5 a can be stretched, e.g. by the user's fingers, to place the orifice 3 into the open configuration.

The hollow body 2 has a stretched configuration in which an ear can be freely moved with respect to the cavity 2 a and an engaging configuration in which at least a portion of the hollow body 2 has a reduced size as compared to the stretched configuration and in which said ear cannot be freely moved with respect to the cavity 2 a.

In this regard, the ear protector 1 has a second fastening means 5 b, wherein the second fastening means 5 b substantially encircles the first fastening means 5 a and is elastic in nature. The second fastening means 5 b is formed from latex or other elastic plastic material. In one embodiment it is the same material as the hollow body 2, but having greater thickness.

As shown in FIG. 3, the second fastening means 5 b can form a raised portion that extends outwardly from the hollow body 2.

The elastic nature of the second fastening means 5 b serves to bias the hollow body 2 into the engaging configuration. However, the second fastening means 5 b can be stretched, e.g. by the user's fingers, to place the hollow body 2 into the stretched configuration.

The ear protector 1 is also provided with a protrusion 4 on the outer surface of the hollow body 2. The protrusion 4 is sized and shaped to be able to be held by a person, between their thumb and adjacent index finger.

The ear protector 1 therefore can have the first fastening means 5 a stretched and the second fastening means 5 b stretched, such that an ear can pass through the orifice 3 and can be located into the cavity 2 a. This may suitably be performed using a person's fingers.

Once the ear protector 1 is in place, i.e. with the ear is received within the cavity 2 a, the first and second fastening means 5 a, 5 b can be allowed to return to their unstretched form. The elastic nature of the first fastening means 5 a serves to bias the orifice 3 into the reduced size configuration and the elastic nature of the second fastening means 5 b serves to bias the hollow body 2 into the engaging configuration. Thus the orifice 3 is sized such that the ear cannot pass through the orifice, and the hollow body 2 has a reduced size as compared to the stretched configuration, such that the ear cannot be freely moved in and out of the cavity 3.

Therefore the ear protector 1 is secured onto the ear using a “double rim” arrangement. The ear protector 1 is secured on the ear by the first fastening means 5 a and by the second fastening means 5 b.

The first fastening means 5 a serves to bias the orifice 3 such that most or all of the orifice 3 contacts the ear that is received within the cavity 2 a. The first fastening means 5 a applies an engagement force to the ear at this location where contact occurs. This contact occurs at or near the base of the ear, i.e. where the ear attaches to the head.

The second fastening means 5 b serves to bias the hollow body 2 such that a portion of the hollow body at the location of the second fastening means 5 b contacts the ear that is received within the cavity 2 a. The second fastening means 5 b applies an engagement force to the ear at this location where contact occurs.

The ear protector 1 of the present invention is therefore advantageous, because there are two discrete locations, at the positions of the first fastening means 5 a and the second fastening means 5 b, where the ear protector 1 is secured on the ear. Engagement forces can therefore be applied in two separate places, improving the stability of the ear protector 1 on the ear even when it is knocked or rubbed. This therefore allows for enhanced manipulation of the ear during the hair treatment process without displacing the ear protector 1, for example it is possible to move the ear to access hair behind it.

In addition, the person whose hair is being treated will find the ear protector 1 of the present invention more comfortable to wear. The ear protector 1 will feel more secure on their ear. In addition, the engagement forces that secure the ear protector 1 to the ear can be provided over a larger area, due to the use of two discrete fastening means 5 a, 5 b, and this can mean that discomfort from one localised force is minimised.

The protrusion 4 can be used to move the ear forwards or downwards away from the area of the head behind the ear. This can facilitate access to hair behind the ear. The protrusion 4 can be used to facilitate removal of the ear protector 1 from the ear after the hair treatment is complete. It will be seen that the protrusion 4 is located at a position away from the orifice 3, so as to provide good leverage when it is held and moved. 

1. An ear protector that comprises: a hollow body that defines a cavity suitable for receiving an ear, a first fastening means, and a second fastening means, wherein the hollow body is provided with an orifice that has an open configuration in which an ear can pass through the orifice and a reduced size configuration in which said ear cannot pass through the orifice, wherein the hollow body has a stretched configuration in which an ear can be freely moved with respect to the cavity and an engaging configuration in which at least a portion of the hollow body has a reduced size as compared to the stretched configuration and in which said ear cannot be freely moved with respect to the cavity, wherein the first fastening means substantially encircles the orifice and is elastic in nature, wherein the elastic nature of the first fastening means serves to bias the orifice into the reduced size configuration and wherein the first fastening means can be stretched to place the orifice into the open configuration, and wherein the second fastening means substantially encircles the first fastening means and is elastic in nature, wherein the elastic nature of the second fastening means serves to bias the hollow body into the engaging configuration and wherein the second fastening means can be stretched to place the hollow body into the stretched configuration.
 2. The ear protector of claim 1, wherein when the ear protector is in use, with the ear inside the cavity, the first fastening means applies an engagement force to a first location which is at or near the base of the ear, and the second fastening means applies an engagement force to a second discrete location on the ear, located away from the base of the ear.
 3. The ear protector of claim 1, wherein when the ear protector is in use, with the ear inside the cavity, the location at which the second fastening means applies an engagement force to the ear comprises one or more of the following locations on the ear: the tragus, the antitragus, the lobule, the cavum concha, the helix, the triangular fossa and the sacaphoid fossa.
 4. The ear protector of claim 1, wherein when the ear protector is in use, with the ear inside the cavity, the second fastening means applies an engagement force to the ear at the tragus and optionally at one or more of the lobule, the cavum concha, and the triangular fossa.
 5. The ear protector of claim 1, wherein the shortest distance between the second fastening means and the first fastening means is: (a) 5 mm or more, or (b) 10 mm or more, or (c) 15 mm or more.
 6. The ear protector of claim 1, wherein the cavity has a cross-sectional shape that is substantially kidney-shaped, substantially oval or substantially D-shaped.
 7. The ear protector of claim 1, wherein the first fastening means is formed from the same material as the hollow body and wherein the first fastening means is thicker than the hollow body.
 8. The ear protector of claim 1, wherein the second fastening means is formed from the same material as the hollow body and wherein the second fastening means is thicker than the hollow body.
 9. The ear protector of claim 1, wherein the first fastening means, the second fastening means and the hollow body are formed from the same material.
 10. The ear protector of claim 1, wherein the second fastening means is provided as a raised portion that protrudes from the hollow body.
 11. The ear protector of claim 1, wherein the hollow body is formed from a polymeric material.
 12. The ear protector of claim 11, wherein the hollow body is formed from a natural or synthetic rubber.
 13. The ear protector of claim 12, wherein the hollow body is formed from latex.
 14. The ear protector of claim 1, wherein the first fastening means is formed from a polymeric material.
 15. The ear protector of claim 14, wherein the first fastening means is formed from a natural or synthetic rubber.
 16. The ear protector of claim 15, wherein the first fastening means is formed from latex.
 17. The ear protector of claim 1, wherein the second fastening means is formed from a polymeric material.
 18. The ear protector of claim 17, wherein the second fastening means is formed from a natural or synthetic rubber.
 19. The ear protector of claim 18, wherein the second fastening means is formed from latex.
 20. The ear protector of claim 1, wherein the shortest distance between the first fastening means and the orifice is: (a) 15 mm or less, or (b) 10 mm or less, or (c) 5 mm or less.
 21. The ear protector of claim 1, wherein the ear protector is provided with a protrusion on the outer surface of the hollow body.
 22. The ear protector of claim 21, wherein when the ear protector is in use, with the ear inside the cavity, the protrusion is located on the helix of the ear.
 23. The ear protector of claim 21, wherein the shortest distance between the protrusion and the orifice is 25 mm or more.
 24. An ear protection kit comprising two ear protectors, each being as defined in claim
 1. 25. The ear protection kit of claim 24, wherein one ear protector is for a left ear and the other ear protector is for a right ear.
 26. The ear protection kit of claim 24, wherein the kit further comprises a chemical-based hair treatment product.
 27. The ear protection kit of claim 24, wherein the kit further comprises a heat-based hair treatment product.
 28. The ear protection kit of claim 24, wherein the kit further comprises a hair treatment accessory. 